Pet-friendly campgrounds near Old Orchard Beach offer accommodations within 1-2 miles of the Atlantic shoreline. The coastal area features several marshland ecosystems where the Scarborough Marsh meets the ocean, creating distinct habitats for wildlife viewing. Winter temperatures typically drop to 10-20°F, while summer temperatures average 70-80°F with higher humidity from July through August.
What to do
Kayak the marshes: Launch directly from Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park where the location provides access to Scarborough Marsh waterways. "It is 1.3 miles of the Eastern Trail, a multi use gravel path which is a better place to walk, bike, or run. It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one," notes Heather C.
Mountain biking on local trails: Access nearby preserves from Sandy Pines Campground for off-road cycling. "For those so inclined, there is great mountain biking either through the Tyler Preserve down to Cape Porpoise or North through the Emmitt Smith Preserve," shares Joe R., who stayed in a full hookup site.
Shuttle to beaches: Avoid parking hassles by taking free transportation from campgrounds to shorelines. "Free trolly to transport you back and forth to ocean. Entertainment. 800 plus sites. Big rig section. Very clean," reports Amy R. from Bayley's Camping Resort.
Visit Cape Porpoise: Access this less crowded coastal village for dining options and scenery. "Sandy Pines is located a very short bike ride from Cape Porpoise, home of Nunann's Restaurant, Mussette, Lost Fire and Pier 77. Some of the best food in the area without having to deal with the crushing crowds of the Kennebunkport scene," explains Chris.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sun Outdoors Old Orchard Beach Downtown maintains well-kept amenities throughout the property. "Bathrooms are nice and clean, the grounds are nice and clean, and the dog park is a great bonus," says Alex M., who appreciated the flat sites and easy reservation process.
Adult-only camping options: Wild Duck Adult Campground provides a quieter experience away from family areas. "This adult only campground is peaceful and quiet, with the sounds of birds and the trees being the main thing you hear - it is quite relaxing," writes Heather C. The campground offers both tent and RV sites with power and water hookups.
Multiple pool options: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities for different age groups. "There is a kids pool and a pool for the adults only w/bar. A pond for fishing, there are kayaks etc... Shower throughout and I might add very clean," notes Christopher S. about Bayley's Camping Resort.
Dog-friendly amenities: Paradise Park Resort includes designated pet areas. "Great campground, it is walking distance to Old Orchard beach and has large sites. Many family activities including fishing, 2 pools, a dog park, and a snack shack," Christopher O. mentions.
What you should know
Noise levels vary by campground section: Choose sites carefully based on proximity to amenities and roads. "We like to stay in the 'south section' which tends to have less kids because it is farther away from the 'action.' Plus, it is close to the Little River Complex which is an adult-only section with pool, hot tubs, café, bathhouse, and laundry," shares Nancy W. about her stay at Bayley's Camping Resort.
WiFi limitations: Internet access can be unreliable at many campgrounds despite promised service. "Unfortunately, the wifi was pretty terrible. We paid extra for what was supposed to be fast, streamable wifi, but at times that didn't work at all or was very slow. For the price we paid, the campground should have fast (or at least usable) internet for free," reports Tina about Sun Outdoors Old Orchard Beach Downtown.
Train noise considerations: Railroad tracks run near several properties. "The campground map is missing the train tracks that are between the campground and the ocean. The trains all blow there horn and you will hear it if you're at one of the site 'by the ocean,'" warns Bryan about Wild Acres Sun RV Resort.
Seasonal pricing variations: Costs increase significantly during peak summer months. "Nightly rates in peak season are outrageous but you can find much cheaper rates if you stay in the shoulder season or go with 30 amp electric and no sewer," advises Nancy W.
Tips for camping with families
Consider seasonal crowds: Book well in advance for summer visits when family-oriented campgrounds fill quickly. "We took a mid-September vacation and love how nice it is with fellow campers spread out. We are not resort campers, but this is very nice now that children are back in school," notes Celeste C. from Sandy Pines Campground.
Campground shuttle services: Use transportation provided by larger resorts for beach access. "The trolley comes by to take you to OOB. The downsides are the sites are very small (no privacy), you can hear traffic at night, and you can hear the train that goes through," shares Terri L. about Powder Horn Family Camping Resort.
Choose sites away from high-traffic areas: Request locations distant from bathrooms for quieter stays. "Initially we were given tent site 83, this was AWFUL, do everything you can to avoid this and similar numbers, it is directly across from the bathroom and they leave the very bright lights on all night," cautions Jennifer L.
Plan for mosquito management: Bring appropriate repellent for marsh proximity. "The only negative of this place was the mosquitoes. They were TERRIBLE. In the time it took after we parked the camper, to when I could dig the bug spray out of our truck I was covered in bites," warns Megan W.
Tips from RVers
Big rig access: Verify site dimensions before booking larger vehicles. "The only reason I give if 4 instead of five stars is that there are only a few transient sites that can handle a camper over 30ft," notes Steve K. about Sandy Pines Campground.
Site surface considerations: Choose sites based on your preference for grass or gravel. "Our gravel site was perfectly level with no potholes and the roads leading to our site were easy to navigate in our 45' motorhome. The patio was gravel and there was some grass between campsites," explains Nancy W.
Site privacy factors: Evaluate space between neighboring units. "Depending on your site location you may get more privacy than if you stay in the big rig sites. The wooded sites tend to be more private and less loud. Staying by any of the pools will be louder," advises Claire T. about her experience at Bayley's Camping Resort.
Seasonal site benefits: Consider extended stays at Old Orchard Beach Campground for stability. "We have stayed here often as we have family and friends in the area. A very well laid out campground, sites are roomy and well kept. Facilities are always clean. Dog and kid friendly," reports Stephanie G.
